October 2005 Cornerstone

PASTOR WAYNE SEZ

October

God’s Promised Return

The weather shifts this month, and the lively days of summer depart in a blaze of glory as trees are lit with ambers, crimsons, oranges, and tans. And the leaves die…and the forest dies, and the fields so pregnant with crops are bare. Yet autumn's death is death with a promise! Spring will come, leaves will sprout in golden hues, and the green blade will rise from the buried earth. That promise gives autumn new hope. The Ascension must have been an autumn for Jesus’ followers. Jesus was gone, to be sure, and the world must have looked fore bearing. Yet, his departure was made with a promise: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven will come back!” Now if we have the promise what do we do? Is autumn and winter just idle waiting, or is their something we do in this season to prepare for his coming? What will you do as you wait for new life?

Matt 25:31-36

³¹"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. ³²All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. ³⁴"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' (NIV)

The Changing Environment

A boy would be awoken by his mother every morning at 5:30 am with the phrase “It’s going to be a great day!” He was then sent to do his chores around the farm before he had his breakfast. One morning as he was awoken to the usual cheery “It’s going to be a great day!” He responded, “No it is not. It is going to be a horrible day!”

His mother responded, “I didn’t know you felt that way. Then certainly go back to bed and do not worry about this horrible day.” Three hours later he awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs. He felt so rested, he ran downstairs and exclaimed to his mother how ready he was to eat this marvelous breakfast she had prepared. His mother explained, “Oh, no Son the breakfast is not for you. For you are so certain that Today is going to be a horrible day, that I am going to do everything possible to make it so for you!” The next morning the boy was up before his mother entered his room dressed and ready to go and as she entered he exclaimed, “Today is going to be a great day!

Environments are the combinations of ideas; persons and circumstances, which exist when people get together. Our attitudes are contagious in these environments, are yours worth catching?

As Christians, we are called to influence our environments more than the environment influences us. To do this we must:

We then ask, "can I bring change by my loving self-giving in this environment?" We bring Christ like change to the environment by our:

Remember Joy shared is doubled. Joy hoarded is halved.

The Via De Cristo weekend can help you learn more about your faith and your environment.

If you would like to attend a Via De Cristo weekend there are registration forms in the track rack in the great room. The men’s weekend is October 13th through the 16^th, and the women’s weekend is October 20th through October 23rd.

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Assisting Minister

Paul Mueller

Ushers

Vicki Bittner

Jan Jarrett

Tim Hungate

Terri Hungate

Counters

Vicki Bittner and Nancy Claude

BUILDING DESIGN CONCEPT PRESENTATION

In September 2004, the Building Design Committee began the task of hiring and working with an architect to prepare a Building Design Concept Plan. Following coffee hour on Sunday, October 30th, Don Howerter, Committee Chairman, will lead a presentation of the committee’s efforts and the recommended plan to the congregation. An architect from the firm Architectural Design Group will present and discuss the project, their drawings and be available to answer any questions.

Following the presentation, the Fundraising Feasibility Committee will present information related to the upcoming feasibility study, which will help to assess the congregation’s readiness to financially support a building program. The congregation will not be voting on proceeding with the recommended building plan until after the Fundraising Feasibility Study has been completed.

Thank you for making every effort to attend this special and exciting meeting!

4th ANNUAL

WIENER ROAST AND HAYRACK RIDE

Sunday, October 9th, 2005

3:00 p.m.

At Brian and Julie Smith’s house

Bring a dish to pass, lawn chairs and roasting sticks (if you have them). Hot dogs, buns, condiments, and drinks will be provided.

Please sign-up on the wall in the great room if you plan on attending.

I SAW CHRIST IN AUGUST

I was as far southwest in Missouri one can travel before it turns into Oklahoma, Arkansas or Kansas. It was 105 degrees so dusty you couldn’t even spit. You’d never just stumble across this place. No, there had to be a reason and a really good map to get you there. And when I arrived, I saw him—I truly did.

He was everywhere…in the various colored handprints and Bible verses on the sides of the rustic cabins…

…In the “Bless All Mess Hall.”

…In the songs sung by children and their Bible-based cheers.

…In the smiling eyes of the children…many in wheel chairs, some with developmental disabilities or with post-traumatic burns…all having unimagined fun, unburdened by care or worry or fear of not fitting in.

I saw Him in the adults who volunteer their time…year after year…doctors, nurses, specialists, people like you and me. I saw Him in the actions of the 150 young adults there on mission trips to enjoy the opportunity to serve God as they minister to the campers.

I also saw Him at work. He transformed crusty construction workers into folks who wouldn’t cuss or smoke if you paid them…not in front of those children. Not in front of Him. He also worked in their hearts as they made and hung a banner with the words, “Unless this house is built by God, the builders labor in vain.”

I saw Him at a this rustic summer camp named after an early Christian mentioned in Acts 4:36…a nickname really…that means “son of encouragement.” Camp Barnabas is a Christian camp for children with special needs, built in 1930. It’s run by a couple who, 10 years ago, gave up everything to dedicate their lives to making Camp Barnabas a place where God lives and children enjoy.

Every summer more than 1,000 children pass through its gates and are able to enjoy the simple things most of us take for granted. The campers enjoy all aspects of residential camping, canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, hiking, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, and more.

As I watched these children and their volunteer “Barn Stormers” singing, laughing, clapping hands and praying, it suddenly struck me that the poor had gathered the rich around them from all over the country and revealed to them the true love of God. The distinctions between handicapped and normal, poor and rich, inefficient and efficient were dissolved, and the basic unity of all who live in the house of God was made visible. “Irrelevant” lives had acquired a divine relevance, the relevance of a God who is revealed to us in the weakness of a small child, an itinerant preacher and a crucified outcast.

I was at Camp Barnabas’ 85 acres near Purdy, Missouri, because of a project for my job. But I don’t tell you this to drum up kudos for the company that sent me. Rather, I write this to share a story about a place where I saw Christ.

NOTES: This would be a great mission trip for our youth at Grace and Peace Lutheran and a place I ask you to keep in your prayers. I also have a book I’ll be donating to the library when I finish it. For more information, go to www.campbarnabas.org.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" airs Sunday nights on ABC. This episode about Camp Barnabas will air Sunday, October 16, as a two-hour special. More than 2000 volunteers worked on this project that took only seven days (how Biblical is that?) to rebuild the family home and construct two new buildings, plus make significant improvements to the water and electrical services and make improvements to the playgrounds.

In Christ, Mary Whitledge

ENDOWMENT FUND GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Endowment Committee of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church accepts Endowment Fund Grant Applications throughout the year. Requests involving community outreach and special ministries of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church are encouraged. The Committee emphasizes giving to causes, which are new and different each year. Anyone wishing to submit an application is asked to first obtain an application form from the Church Office. Upon completing the application, return it to the Church Office anytime during the year. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year, however those received by December 31, will be those considered by the Committee for distributions of the following year commencing in March.

Grace and Peace Endowment Committee

PEORIA DINING TOUR COUPON BOOK

Offered by

The Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria Area

The Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria Area are offering the Peoria Dining Tour Coupon Book again this year. They are now available and are valid until November 1, 2006. The cost this year is $35.00. Ten dollars from each book will go equally to the Lutheran Hillside Village and Lutheran Social Service of Illinois.  Last year we were able to divide $6,500 between these two organizations.

This year the Dining Tour is bigger and better than ever! We’ve added a new category of food—PIZZA. That means your now have four categories from which to choose—FINE DINING, CASUAL, PIZZA AND FUN FOODS. This year there are over 300 valuable BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE coupons valid at local area restaurants. This book should appeal to all ages.

Please contact Wanda Green. They are also available in the church office. With the purchase of the coupon books, you will help us provide for needs at the Lutheran Home and at Lutheran Social Services and at the same time enjoy an evening out or lunch with a friend. These coupon books make great Christmas gifts.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

NORTHERN CONFERENCE

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

You don’t need experience. All we need are willing able bodies that want to help a friend in the community…Join in and fellowship with other churches to give Kendra Dixon a home for her family to call their own!!

Building Schedule:

If you are willing and able to help, please contact Keri Dodson, Sandra Rodlund, or Linda Ericsson.

ATTENTION GARAGE GANG!!

COME to a COSTUME PARTY!

Dress as

Dress as a favorite character (from the Bible, a book, a movie, etc.)

Join us as we roast hot dogs, marshmallows, and apples. There will be storytelling around the fire pit. (We welcome your favorite one, too—scary or not) And there will be a House Blessing! (by Pastor Shelksohn)

Please sign up in the great room so we know how much food to furnish.

We hope to see you there!

When: October 30^th 5:00 p.m.

Where: At the home of Deb Meyer

GAPYA

Grace and Peace Young Adults

Saturday, October 22^nd 6:00 p.m.

Costume Party

Nathan & Melissa Ruby’s Home

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

I was out walking early one morning this past week, and as I walked, just like that, three deer ran out in front of me, not more than 20 feet away! Beautiful creatures—swift and graceful! As I continued my walk, I thought about how quickly September came and went! Just like the deer—swiftly! Wonder if I handled everything that came up with grace?

And no doubt October will fly by just as fast! As we discussed calendars and activities at our recent Women’s Board meeting, people were commenting about how full their lives are!

To add to that fullness both in time and in rewards, here are a few upcoming events for the Women of Grace and Peace. Grace and Peace is responsible for serving snacks and a noon lunch to all of the workers on the Habitat for Humanity home on Saturday, October 8. We are in need of individual bottles of Gatorade, cookies, cereal bars or granola bars, fruit, and cash contributions to purchase sandwiches. Individuals wearing hard hats and carrying clipboards will be available after church on Sunday, October 2, to accept your offers of assistance and cash donations.

There is an exciting event coming up the end of October! Our Women of Grace and Peace Annual Meeting will be held on October 26, at 6:30 p.m. And I am sure you are asking how can a meeting like that be exciting! It will be a desserts buffet with a speaker talking about our emotional health. Remember the focus of the Women of the ELCA for the next three years is physical health, emotional health, and spiritual health. Last May at our women’s banquet we had an excellent speaker on heart health. So this meeting will focus on emotional health. Please watch for more details in the bulletin and in your mailbox. And be sure to think about what favorite dessert you would like to bring to share with your friends. You know that saying: Desserts spelled backwards is stressed! It should be a very interesting program and we promise the business meeting will be short!

And finally, the Northern Conference Women of the ELCA Sonshine Brunch will be held on Saturday, October 29, at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria. Registration and coffee begins at 8:30 a.m. Sandra Freiheit will be presenting a program entitled "Harvesting Blessings." She is well known for her presentations on prayer and prayer ministry, and this program should be very interesting as well. Lunch is served at noon and everyone should be on their way by 1:00. Childcare is available. Cost for the Sonshine Brunch is $9.00 and is payable to Linda Ericsson. There is a registration sheet and pertinent information posted on the bulletin board in the great room. Registrations must be sent to the Conference Planning Committee by October 18, so sign up TODAY!! It would be wonderful if we had a large Grace and Peace representation at this event.

Your Executive Board:

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Children’s Sunday School Program

Adult Sunday School Program

WOMEN’S CIRCLES

Ruth/Rachel Circle

October 4, 10:00 a.m.

Meeting at Church

Priscilla Circle

October 10, 7:00 p.m.

Location TBA

Miriam Circle

October 11, 7:00 p.m.

Jan Jarrett’s Home

Rebecca Circle

October 10, 11:30 a.m.

Sack Lunch at Church

aGAPe and LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

aGAPe

Beginning Sunday, October 9, we will have one of the LWR quilts on display in the Great Room. This quilt was made from a box of assorted, donated fabric that was already cut into squares and strips. As I read the information about the 60th year of LWR, I found that they have developed symbols for each of twelve areas of ministry that they do. It just happened that there were twelve – 12” squares in the box and with a little designing, this quilt is the result. This is one of our 165 quilts in 2005.

See if you can identify these areas on the quilt: children, education, environment, food, health, HIV/AIDS, justice, peace, relief, water, women, and work. These twelve working together describe a perfect community where “each person and every generation lives in justice, dignity and peace.”

As you may know, it takes $2 to send each of our quilts abroad. We have a matching grant from Thrivent Peoria/Stark Chapter of $250 available if we raise the first $250 for sending our quilts this year. You will have a chance to donate money for “golden $2 bills” to be attached to the quilt, and the money will be sent directly to LWR. Someone will be available in the Great Room on October 9, 16, and 23 to take your donation.

Our aGAPe group has been working very hard all season to make as many quilts as possible. The need for them never stops. We did send 22 quilts with the Hurricane Relief “Stuff a Semi” on Sept. 17 and saved our heavier ones for the usual LWR ingathering this fall in Bloomington.

Our calendar of events is:

Lutheran World Relief in 2005

Because of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, all of the health kits were shipped out of the two LWR warehouses in South St. Paul, MN, and New Windsor, MD. We especially need toothpaste and nail files to complete some of the donations we have had so far. Please add yours to the box in the kitchen.

We are also doing layettes and really need diaper pins. They are getting harder to find and are very important when you are using cloth diapers! Put those in the same box on the kitchen counter.

Beginning Sunday, Oct. 9, there will be a box in the narthex for you to give men’s work clothes, women’s sweaters, and children’s clothing to size 12. It must be here by Oct. 23 so we can pack it on Oct. 26.

“STUFF A SEMI”

for Hurricane Katrina relief (the long version)

Save Sun., Oct. 2, at coffee hour & Sunday school

On Friday, September 2, Roxanne Hochsprung called our church office with an offer we couldn’t refuse. Her co-worker, Diane Miller, said that her husband, Tim, is a semi-truck driver and was anxious to take a load of needed supplies to the area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Even though it was Labor Day weekend, we contacted 15 churches to alert them to this opportunity

Beginning Tuesday, September 6, Grace and Peace made contact with the ELCA national office in Chicago, the Central/Southern Synod office in Springfield, depot cities in Danforth, St. Joseph, and Steeleville, IL; Ascension Lutheran church in Jackson, MS; the media; the businesses in our church neighborhood; and friends. Phone calls, e-mails, posters, and conversations all spread the word of the gathering effort.

People responded in all kinds of ways. We followed the list given by the ELCA that included things from chainsaws to baby food. We were most anxious to gather just what was needed right now and work through the church network.

On Friday afternoon, September 16, Tim drove the gleaming cherry red semi cab with the white trailer down Knoxville from the north and into our parking lot. It seemed to me that he was a knight in shining white armor, and our mission was going to happen.

By the time we finished loading on Saturday, Sept. 17, about 3 p.m. we had the 53’ semi just 2/3 full. This included items from a 3-day stop in the K Mart parking lot in Canton where Tim’s sister, Dana, had rallied donations from churches, businesses, and friends.

We then called St. John Lutheran in Danforth where we caught Pastor Jim Gerth just before a Saturday afternoon wedding. He was delighted that our driver, Tim, was willing to go out of his way to the Champaign/Urbana area to pick up more supplies. Our volunteers joined hands with Pastor Wayne and the Millers for a prayer of blessing and safety on the trip. Tim and his father, Ron, started out at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday for Danforth and St. Joseph. With those 2 stops, they finished filling the semi for the journey to Ascension Lutheran in Jackson, MS.

After a night near Memphis, they pulled into the parking lot in Jackson and had to wait their turn because the volunteers there were already working with other arrivals. When Sgt. John Rich saw what we had and how well it was packed, he asked Tim to keep it on board and drive down to Harvey, LA, right to the heart of the devastated region, another 200 miles. This may have been more adventure than Tim had bargained for but he went on to Harvey to make the delivery.

You have a chance to hear the rest of his story and see pictures of this adventure first hand on Sunday, Oct. 2, in the sanctuary. Tim and his family will join Kent Tomblin of the Peoria Fire Dept. who has also returned from the area around New Orleans after a three weeks stint there. Plan to attend this event during the Sunday school hour and learn more about two great guys who went the extra mile. The coffee hour offering will go towards the ELCA hurricane relief efforts.

We have been proud to see and hear the comments of Kent Tomblin as they have been reported in the media. We are looking forward to his presentation.

We thank the media for their cooperation and interest in this event.

A huge thank you to everyone who brought things, passed the word, came to sort, pack, and load, Miriam Circle who “fed the troops”, Thrivent and others for gas money, and of course, to the entire Miller family of three generations who had a passion for this effort.

A very special thank you to Theresa Montgomery who worked as the key dispatcher of information and was so helpful during these 2 weeks of high activity.

                                    Roberta Dietrich

                                    “Stuff a Semi” Coordinator

LIBRARY NEWS

October is a good month to read a good book.

Books for Adults:

The Revelation by Beverly Lewis

This is the newest book in the Abram’s Daughters saga and follows The Covenant, which is in our library. Journey to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and learn the secrets which are to be revealed. This is in large print and a new book to our library.

Sins of the father by James Scott Bell

A story of a thirteen-year-old boy who fires a rifle into a baseball game killing several of the children on the field. To all appearances, the case is a slam Dunk but it’s not that simple. This is a new book to our library.

Urgent care by Hannah Alexander

Pastor Archer Pierce has begun to question his calling. Then, in the middle of a violent storm, he disappears. The citizens of Dogwood Springs begin a frantic race against time and the elements. There are many secrets in this small town. This is a new book to our library.

For Our Young Readers:

The little engine that could by Watty Piper

A little engine with great determination has to get over the mountain. This is a new book to our library.

Peter pan

Journey to Never-Never Land with Peter and Wendy where they fight pirates and become friends with the Indians. This is a new book to our library.

MADISON FINN by Laura Dower

Far Hills 7th grade goes on a three-day field trip. Sharing a bunk with friends (and enemies) can spell trouble. This new book is for older children.

We are looking for more children’s books for our library as our young readers use the library the most. If you know of somewhere we can purchase inexpensive books, please tell Barbara Hanson.

~ The Bookworms

MISCELLANEOUS

SHARE Food

October 2 & 9 - Sign-up

October 22 - Pick-up

November Cornerstone Deadline

October 23, 2005

October Key Person

Julie Smith

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

Annual Meeting of Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria

Friday, October 14, 2005

12:00 Noon

Our Savior Lutheran Church

1209 Kingsbury Road, Washington IL

Lunch served followed by a program by Darlene Hunt - "Sentimental Journey". Business Meeting will follow.

Annual St. Jude - Itoo Society

Spaghetti Dinner

Sunday, October 16th 2005

11:30a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Itoo Hall - 4909 W Farmington Road

Volunteers needed.

Donations of Merchandise Needed.

See Carol Luecht.

Grace and Peace Lutheran Congregation Council

September 20, 2005

PRESENT: Paul Mueller, Pastor Shelksohn, Kelly Smet, Julie Smith, Linda Ericsson, Mark Rodlund, Richard Joyce, Roberta Dietrich, Carol Luecht, Sandy Peterson, Janelle Houge and Mary Whitledge.

President Paul Mueller called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Prayers were led by Pastor Shelksohn and a devotion was shared by Richard Joyce.

Sharing the Vision: Don Howerter, chairman of the Building Design Committee, gave Council a recommendation and final presentation on the design of the building. A motion was made by Richard Joyce to accept the recommendation of the Building Committee to present the design of the building to the congregation on October 30th following coffee hour. Linda Ericsson seconded and the motion passed. Don informed the Council that the architects have volunteered to be present at the meeting on October 30th.

AREAS OF MINISTRY AND BUSINESS

stewardship – Mary reported that a Sunday School class on Stewardship, Faithful and Wise, began on September 18th. Mary attended the Feasibility Committee to ensure synergy between their theme/message and the Stewardship program. The theme of this year’s Stewardship season will be “We Say Yes” from the ELCA. New offering envelopes are being developed to tie in with this theme. November 20th will be Commitment Sunday with a luncheon and the performance of “To The Castle,” a Stewardship musical.

worship and music – Dick Joyce reported that after reviewing the surveys on worship times and styles, there was no consensus. The worship time will remain at 8:30 a.m. and remain a traditional style service. A new choir director, Camilla Russell, has been hired. The lay assistant schedule has been prepared through the rest of the year. Carol Luecht commented that the hymn selection has been wonderful the last few Sundays.

youth - Search is on for a new Youth Director. An ad is being placed in the Peoria Journal Star. Salary guidelines have been submitted to the committee from the Finance Committee. The committee will plan activities for the youth until a Youth Director can be hired.

christian education – Rally Day was held on September 11th,and Ann Joyce did a wonderful job with the children. The Sunday School classes have all began. The committee is looking for a youth teacher to teach the Sundays that Laura Campagna is not available.

community action – Linda handed out the schedule for the Habitat for Humanity house listing the days for various jobs. Our congregation will serve lunch to the workers on October 8th. Linda asked Property Committee to put up the basketball backboard when they feel it is needed, either now or next spring. The Human Service Thanksgiving meal will be November 22nd. Carol Luecht coordinates this meal each year and this year she has asked for a volunteer to learn the process and take over next year. Roberta reported on the “Stuff a Semi” which went to Jackson, MS. This project was such a success and Roberta reported that because the semi was so well organized on pallets and itemized that when Tim Miller, the semi truck driver, arrived in Jackson they asked him to immediately take it two hours further to Harvey Louisiana where the items were needed. Coffee Hour on October 2nd will highlight this effort with pictures and Tim Miller, the semi truck driver, will tell about the trip. Kent Tomblin, assistant Peoria Fire Chief, who spent three weeks in the New Orleans area, will also be here to tell of their experiences and show pictures. All proceeds from the Coffee Hour will go to the ELCA hurricane relief efforts.

endowment – Next meeting will be October 10^th.

evangelism – No report.

finance – The books have been audited and the audit is on file in the office. All committees are asked to submit their 2005 budget proposals by October 2nd. Additional money has been given to cover the overage of the amount ($380) voted by the congregation for the fees by the Architectural Design Group.

long range planning – Report was heard during sharing of the vision.

nurture – The annual wiener roast and hayrack ride has been scheduled for October 9th at 3:00 in the afternoon at Brian and Julie Smith’s home.

property – Worked on their budget. The cry room has been completed. An air compressor on one of the air conditioner units is going out. Carol reported that it may possibly make it through this season but will be needed to be replaced in the spring.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Paul will contact the nominating committee. A replacement for Bette Traenkenschuh will need to be found. Staff evaluations will be done in the next few weeks. A review letter was received from our Insurance Company and this will be filled out and returned.

minutes – Tabled till next Council meeting. Next meeting the August and September minuets will be reviewed.

women of grace and peace – No report.

pastor’s report – Pastor reviewed his report. Pastor reported that the anti-racism seminar was well received. A motion was made to accept into membership Michael and Susan Mohler and David and Mary Jane Moder. The motion was passed. Jack and Maxine Horner have requested a transfer of their membership to St. Mark’s in Chillicothe.

executive council – Met and set agenda. Discussed staff evaluations.

Next Council Meeting is October 18, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Meeting is October 3, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. A motion was made to adjourn. The Council closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Devotions and Snacks for next meeting are Paul Mueller and Mike Murphy.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Montgomery,

Recording Secretary

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